Third-party iPad clamshell keyboard case revealed in FCC filing

A new third-party iPad peripheral coming soon to the U.S. will turn Apple's touchscreen tablet into more of a traditional laptop form factor, with a clamshell case that provides tactile input via an attached Bluetooth keyboard.

Because keyboards accessories must connect to the iPad wirelessly, the Bluetooth device required approval from the U.S. Federal Communications Commission, which is how the forthcoming accessory was exposed. Created by Shenzhen Paoluy Silicone Technology Co., Ltd., the product dubbed "BL-BKB76" passed through the FCC last Friday and will likely be available for sale in the U.S. soon.

The clamshell design allows the iPad to be used in a laptop-style configuration, with the screen propped up and a flat keyboard to type on. Such a product would also allow the screen to be protected when stored.

The product is also set for debut in the U.K., where it is dubbed "KeyCase iPad Folio with Integrated Bluetooth Keyboard" and carries a price of £59.95, or $92.72 U.S.

The product's manual says keyboard has a reported standby time of 100 days, and offers a "theoretical" uninterrupted working time of 90 hours, though the U.K. retailer pegs the usage time as 45 hours. The battery, which must be charged separately from the iPad, takes between 4 and 4-and-a-half hours to charge, and can be charged with a standard Apple USB iPod connector cable.

Other advertised features include a "durable leather style exterior," a magnetic fastener that keeps the case closed, and auto-sleep mode when idle for 10 minutes.

A clamshell Bluetooth keyboard concept was shown off soon after the iPad was released and gained considerable attention, but that product was simply a hypothetical rendering and never became a reality.

Though it does not ship with a keyboard, opting instead to let users rely on the virtual touchscreen, the iPad is compatible with nearly any Bluetooth keyboard, including Apple's own hardware. Apple also sells a keyboard dock made specifically for the iPad.

Even with its lack of standard keyboard, the iPad has been viewed as a threat to the low-cost, low-power netbook market. Major netbook makers have reduced shipments for the remainder of 2010, after sales of those products have slowed since the release of the iPad. Meanwhile, Apple's touchscreen tablet sold 3.27 million units in its first three months.

Pretty cool idea. Is a bit bulky, but hey if you really want to knock out those iWork documents on your iPad this could be the case for you. It has basically been common knowledge that the iPad is more for content consumption then creation though, and I don't really think that this would change it. If you want a laptop get a laptop I guess is what I am trying to say.

Why can't apple just make a product and let people choose whether they want to buy it or not? Why does it drive so many people crazy that their products don't offer every single feature on earth? If you want a netbook, buy a netbook. Then you can be content with your USB, camera, etc. If you want what the iPad has to offer, then buy the iPad.

DaHarder - I'm sure you're perfectly able to draw a reasonable conclusion such as this, but instead chose to be an ignorant troll. Shame on you.

Looks like they sorta missed the boat on this one... if they had only let the iPad slide forward to cover the keyboard when touch-only was needed, they would have a nearly perfect solution for hands-free use. Expect their competitor to offer this option in 3...2...1...

Well this turms the IPAD into a netbook. But wait, If I wanted a netbook or Laptop thats what I would have bought to begin with.
Its a nice accessory for those that want a physical keyboard and don't mind the additional weight.

Actually, it's not a false dichotomy, nor a dichotomy at all. The perception is that the iPad is "more for" consumption than creation. It is not that the iPad is "exclusively for" consumption. A dichotomy requires mutual exclusivity.